In this BONUS episode we explore the latest book by Guy Kawasaki: 'Think Remarkable.' In this conversation, we explore Guy's personal journey, share lessons from his interactions with over 200 extraordinary individuals he interviewed for his Remarkable People Podcast, and unpack the key messages from his latest work that challenges us all to elevate our lives and the world around us.
"Looking back, it's clear how the dots connected to set me on this path, but it all started with a desire to redefine how companies should operate - the Macintosh way."
Guy Kawasaki's career is as diverse as it is inspiring. From his early days at Apple to his influential role in various startups, Guy shares with us the pivotal moments and decisions that have shaped his remarkable journey. He delves into the motivations behind his first book, revealing how 'The Macintosh Way' was a manifesto on the right way to run companies, a theme that has pervaded his work and philosophy.
"Evangelism is about bringing good news that makes people more productive, creative, and ultimately delighted."
Guy has long been recognized for his unique ability to transform the world of work through evangelism. He shares invaluable insights on how true believers can make a significant difference by showing others a better way to live and work. From his time as an evangelist for Canva to his foundational days at Apple, Guy illustrates the importance of working backward from the customer's needs to deliver truly delightful experiences.
"Each interview taught me something new, but distilling these lessons into actionable insights was a journey in itself."
Throughout the creation of 'Think Remarkable,' Guy engaged with a host of remarkable individuals, each contributing unique perspectives on life, work, and success. From Don Norman to Jane Goodall, the diversity of thought and experience Guy encountered has been distilled into practical lessons for personal and professional growth. He emphasizes the value of these interviews in shaping the book's content, offering listeners a glimpse into the minds of some of the most influential figures of our time.
"My leadership views were significantly shaped by working under Steve Jobs and leading various software companies."
Reflecting on his experiences with unorthodox leaders at Apple and his ventures into the startup world, Guy shares how these experiences have molded his views on effective leadership. Through both internal and external challenges, he has developed a nuanced understanding of what it takes to inspire and guide others towards shared goals.
"To excel in something, you must first be willing to suck at it."
The concept of a growth mindset is central to 'Think Remarkable,' and Guy's personal journey embodies this principle. He discusses the importance of being open to learning and growing, regardless of the field or endeavor, and shares why embracing challenges and the potential for failure is crucial for anyone looking to make a significant impact.
"Writing this book required months of outlining and planning, but the key was creating little anchors for readers to follow."
Guy takes us behind the scenes of the meticulous process involved in bringing 'Think Remarkable' to life. From outlining to structuring the narrative, he emphasizes the importance of providing readers with clear, actionable insights and the role of careful planning in achieving this goal.
"Working at Apple and noticing the little things with Canva taught me the importance of being open to new opportunities."
Guy's unique experiences with tech giants like Apple, Google, and startups such as Canva have profoundly influenced his views on making a positive impact. He shares how these roles have taught him the value of noticing the small details and remaining open to new opportunities, a lesson he believes is crucial for anyone looking to make their mark on the world.
"Personal success and making a difference aren't mutually exclusive; they complement each other in the journey to remarkableness."
In discussing how to find balance between personal success and making a meaningful difference, Guy highlights the interconnectedness of these goals. He believes that striving for personal growth and seeking to contribute positively to the world are not only compatible but also mutually reinforcing in the quest for remarkableness.
"Embracing vulnerability has been a breakthrough in understanding my role as a leader and in making genuine connections."
Guy shares personal stories where embracing vulnerability not only led to personal breakthroughs but also deepened his understanding of leadership. He argues that vulnerability is a strength that allows leaders to connect more authentically with their teams and drive meaningful change.
"Remarkableness comes from making the world a better place through growth, grit, and grace."
Guy reflects on the essence of being remarkable, emphasizing that it's about making a positive difference in the world. He shares insights into how anyone can embark on this path by focusing on personal growth, resilience, and kindness.
"LLMs are a bigger deal than computers and social media. My call to action for everyone is to embrace AI and learn how it can be used to amplify our impact."
Looking forward, Guy shares his excitement about the potential of large language models (LLMs) and AI to revolutionize how we work and make a difference. He encourages everyone to engage with these technologies, underscoring their potential to significantly enhance our ability to create positive change in the world.
About Guy Kawasaki
Guy Kawasaki is the chief evangelist of Canva and host of the Remarkable People podcast. He was the chief evangelist of Apple, trustee of the Wikimedia Foundation, Mercedes-Benz brand ambassador, and special assistant to the Motorola Division of Google. Kawasaki has a BA from Stanford University, an MBA from UCLA, and an honorary doctorate from Babson College. He lives in Watsonville, California.